Chapter 1124 Battle For Phyrros Island (Part-2)

Chapter 1124 Battle For Phyrros Island (Part-2)

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Upon landing ashore, Alexander's legionnaires quickly began to get in formation, lest the enemy were to suddenly become aware and try to attack them in their most vulnerable state.

Thus the soldiers locked their shields and ran forward, trying to secure their positions.

While the camp servants followed up from the rear, carrying all the heavier equipment, such as tents, logs, and stakes on their shoulders.

They disembarked after the soldiers, using the ship's rope ladders to slowly get down, and being careful not to wet their equipment, as many of the things they carried such as cloth, and flint for starting a fire did not mesh well with water.

"Darn, it's freezing here! How the fuck did our guys jump straight into it without flinching a bit?"

And even when it was just their shoes that got wet, one of them could not help but break out into a curse upon feeling the chilly ocean thrashing against them.

"They got to rub warm oil all over their body." To his query, the man next to him curtly offered this insight, before impatiently mumbling, "Now, get moving. Or Lysads will have our skin. We have work to do."

This was the first time he got to hear of his privilege and the first slave's eyes went wide,

"Must be nice," as he mused in regret, wishing in his heart that he too got to coat his body in such a cold retarding salve.

Then he would not be shivering in the cold like he was now.

Of course, he very well knew this was a pipe dream within a pipe dream, to have access to such expensive oil reserved for a lowly man like him, but that did not stop him from hoping.

But he quickly put aside all such 'nonsense' and instead concentrated on simply bearing through the freezing water and following his partner ashore, all the way consoling himself,

'No Mukdus! Why are you being so ungrateful? We are treated here a hundred times better than what we used to be. Now we have enough food, warm clothes, not much beating, and they even give us a small wage that we can buy ourselves with. My Ramuh! Can you believe it! If old master could saw this, the bastard would likely faint on the spot!'

In this way, the slave named Mukkus learned to count his blessing rather than lament his misfortunes and became a very apt example of what the circumstances of the time looked like when seen through the eyes of a slave.

As he went on to finish by pumping his fist towards his chest and consoling himself,

'I should learn to be more grateful to the gods! It's just that some things are always given to the free men. This is just how the world works! Remember what father said, those hands that covet too much always get burned.'

The way the man talked to himself really went to show the mindset of the times, where stomping on people would not get a cry of pain and disapproval, but a meek moan of groan followed by a pleased note for not squishing them.

Some would even apologize for being there to be stepped on in the first place.

But alas, Alexander was a prudent man and never one to take unknown risks.

If it was the daredevilese Remus who was put in charge, he might have gambled it all, as the young boy was that kind of person.

But Alexander could hardly afford to be so caviler, especially when he was already gravely outnumbered and needed every pair of hands he got.

Hence, unbeknownst to the man, this golden chance slipped through his fingers, as Lord Parker's forces used the time to plug all the holes in their defenses, quickly taking to their stations, and becoming ready to defend their positions.

While at the same time, messengers were sent via the bridge to their main camp, informing Lord Parker of the attack and asking for reinforcements.

Something that was Achillas of course very eager to provide, as he shot up to chime, "My lord, we must not let Alexander take Phyrros Island. It is a vital link to our defenses."

And Lord Parker was quick to nod in simpatico, adding, "Yes, I agree. Whatever reasons Alexander has for attacking it, we must stop him," before turning towards the gathered officers and ordering,

"Gather 2,000 men and have them use the bridge to reinforce the men on the island as soon as possible! We cannot lose the island, no matter the cost!"

"Yes!" Lord Parker's command of course got a chorus of approval an instant later, as none of the officers had anything to object about.

With the exception of one timid, chime of objection, that originated from none other than Lord Bernard,

"Ummm, my lord, it might not be prudent to send men through the bridge."

"...." This sudden claim caused the room which was a bustling center of activity to suddenly pause, as the officers who were just mere steps away from the exiting the tent to go execute their lord's command paused to turn irritatedly at the men.

It was needless to say Lord Bernard currently was not in the best of favors with Lord Parker, and so for him to object as such, all the offices looked very much forward to their lord giving the man a good lashing for disagreeing with him.

But in the following days, under Miss Linda's cajoling, as well as generally cooling down, Lord Parker had become amicable towards the man in his heart.

And so the ducal lord magnanimously gave the man an inquisitive look and lifted his chin slightly as a gesture to continue.

To Lord Bernard, this felt like the gods were gracing him, and so without wasting a second, he very quickly blurted,

"The bridge leading to the island had been damaged during the disaster of five years. Although it has been fixed, 2,000 men marching over it might be too much. So I propose we use the ships to land the troops."

Let us say no to piracy! Don't take part in a crime! Don't patronize thieves!